Department of Public Works and Landfill
The clearing of fallen trees, limbs, snow, water, etc. which obstruct vehicular traffic is the Department of Public Work's top priority. Downed trees on town land will be removed by the town. Disposal of downed trees and other debris on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner and will not be picked up by the town.

Remember that depositing private debris on town land and streets is subject to fines. The landfill is open for operation Thursday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The landfill is closed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and holidays. During emergencies, landfill hours may be extended.

Electrical Services
The Light Department is not staffed for major outages. In emergencies, they depend on other municipal utilities and local contractors for additional help. Because of constantly changing situations during an emergency, it is impossible to predict accurately when service will be restored. Therefore, it is the homeowners' responsibility to safeguard against frozen food spoilage or other inconveniences as the result of power loss. When power is lost, turn off or disconnect all major appliances, pumps, etc. until power is restored. Power will be restored on a priority basis in the following order:

Health care facilities

Designated shelters

Sewer pumping stations

Utilities and town facilities

Individual homes and businesses

SchoolsIf school is cancelled or delayed that will be broadcast over radio stations WRKO (680 AM), WBUR (90.9 FM), and WBZ (1030 AM) and TV stations, Channels 4, 5, 7, 25 and 56. On occasion (and because of volume), it may be difficult to reach certain stations by phone. Parents and students should, therefore, check with more than one station to determine if school is cancelled or delayed. Parents are encouraged to sign up for phone or email notifications with any of the several TV/radio stations that offer that service. “No School” announcements will also be posted on the school department’s website www.hinghamschools.org as soon as that is physically possible. Individuals are asked not to call individual schools. The number of lines is limited and staff may not be able to answer before school hours. Several radio and TV stations offer a phone notification for parents who enroll. School newsletters and principals’ list serves publicize this option as we receive information and direction from the participating stations.